@styledby_debbe
Dark and deep shade often boasts amazing shine. It’s partly thanks to the conditioning components of good quality dyes and also due to the natural ability of dark hair to reflect light. Chocolate shade is a great choice for this dramatic look.
Hot chocolate, iced coffee, cappuccino… No, this is not a drinks menu, but delicious brown hair color shades that command attention. From warm caramel tones that brighten up your look nicely to deep hues with a touch of red or purple – there’s a brunette hairstyle for everyone. Scroll down for images to fall in love with its rich color palette.
Brunette is a rich natural shade that adds definition to any look. Try our virtual hairstyle tool to enjoy these signature lived-in hues and find your perfect match for a real-life makeover. You’re just one click away from your next dream hair color!
@un.rooted
Brighten up your brunette hair with warm caramel highlights to make your features pop. Ask your colorist for a money piece – the type of highlights that frame your face.
Dark and deep shade often boasts amazing shine. It’s partly thanks to the conditioning components of good quality dyes and also due to the natural ability of dark hair to reflect light. Chocolate shade is a great choice for this dramatic look.
@styledby_debbe
Those warmer shades of cinnamon brown are the best to complement olive skin tone and hazel eyes. Some lighter highlights add dimension to your hair without compromising its condition.
@chrisweberhair
Softly blended balayage gives definition to your hair and makes an ideal base for wavy and curly blow dries. Warmer and lighter shades complement both green and hazel eyes as well as soften facial features.
@hairbymickk
Some lighter shades of brown going through the darker base allow seeing the texture of the hair. This is a very versatile look that equally suits natural brunettes and those with dyed locks.
@aykutbrsofficial
Striking chunky highlights are one of the latest trends. To keep the fresh look of this color, we recommend using products suitable for dyed hair as well as toning masks in warm shades.
@daniloherbert
A warm base with golden undertones suits every skin tone: it miraculously makes the complexion look healthy and glowy as well as softens the features. Make some curls using a 32 mm barrel wand to recreate this look.
@ahmetcobain
This dark brown base and bright blonde highlights make a perfect contrast to grab everyone’s attention. Keep in mind that it may take your colorist multiple sessions to lift your natural tone to such a light level.
@live_love_dohair
The money piece is a set of face-framing highlights that come from the front hairline. This technique is amazing for adding dimension to your dark hair and hardly requires any effort to upkeep.
@colorbykianna
Sometimes, too many blonde highlights around your face might wash you out, so ombre is a nice alternative. Lighter ends accentuate the texture of your hair whilst keeping the rich and deep color of your roots and mid-lengths.
@hobbschelsey_hairstylist
Those warm brown curls are everything – we love the texture of the coils and the curly fringe. Use a tinted hair mask to enhance your natural brunette shade or to maintain the color between your salon appointments.
@salsalhair
This rich and velvety brown tone combines a multitude of different shades that look utterly stunning. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to keep your auburn shade vibrant much longer.
@alex.mercedesss
This cool shade is both difficult to achieve and challenging to maintain. In addition to the regular regrowth touch-ups, you will probably need to ask your colorist to put a toner all over your hair. It’s indeed worth the effort though – cool brown looks so gorgeously glossy and deep.
@hairby_chrissy
Add some highlights to your milk chocolate locks to create that sun-kissed look. Getting highlights in curls is a great way to change up your look protecting the health of the gentle hair structure and warm color flatters most of the skin tones.
@_edwardsandco
Sticking with the same hair color for years can start to feel monotonous. Even a subtle lift with soft highlights can make a noticeable difference. These barely-there accents add depth and bring new life to a classic brunette base.
@nathansmithhair
Rich and glossy, this look is an utter brunette dream. Put some layers in to emphasize the texture of your naturally dark@live_love_dohair
Face-framing balayage is an easy way to add contrast to dark hair. Soft brown highlights around the fringe will draw attention to your features and bring a more defined finish to your look.
@colorbymaddie
This light chestnut color can be achieved with a semi-permanent dye or even a pigmented hair mask. To give your hair some shape, ask your hairstylist for a 2000s-inspired haircut with layers – you’ll absolutely love it.
@tarasiegel50
If you like both blonde and brunette shades: ask your hairdresser to lighten a part of your root area and tone it cool. Wear your hair parted in the middle or flip the fringe over on one side.
@michellethompsonhair
If you have thick, dense curls, a medium hairdo can seem heavy if it’s not cut correctly. An angled cut that’s shorter in the back and longer in the front keeps the weight in the back of your style so that your face isn’t overpowered. Ask your stylist for a blend of copper and dark warm neutrals to create this vibrant mahogany brown.
@constancerobbins
Many people believe that dark hair has to have warm undertones like red or orange. While warm hair is gorgeous, it doesn’t complement every skin tone. A cool hair tone is your best bet for skin with olive or golden undertones because it will balance you out.
@pedrosalon
This silky chestnut brown look is a good example of how to pull off a lighter brunette shade. A soft melt brightens your complexion without changing the overall natural color that can be seen at the roots.
@hairbytashalouisec
Although copper hair tones seem to flatter many different complexions, they still take a lot of guts to pull off because they tend to reflect so much light and appear brighter. The unique mix of red, orange and brown is stylish, subtle and makes a statement.
@larisadoll
With fashion leaning into minimalism, the popularity of the straight blunt cut continues to rise. Add interest to the sleek shape by weaving in a mix of medium and light brunette shades. Lighter pieces around the face and ends can brighten your complexion and highlight the precision of the cut.
@hairbytashalouisec
How to make your dark fine locks appear thicker without tons of highlights? An expert cut and the right styling will do the job! Here heavy layers create movement while loose curls add to the fullness.
@singi.vo
Embrace your carefree beauty with extra-long flowing caramel waves. Keep the look from dragging you down by lightening up. An amber ombre gives a sun-kissed beach vibe to your hairstyle. Who doesn’t want their hair look like they are on vacation every day?
@cooperativehair
If you can’t experiment too much with color due to work or hair health reasons, there’s still a way to have fun with dark color ideas. Ask your colorist for chunky mocha highlights that add warmth and make soft waves look more defined. The shade is still striking while remaining subtle and sophisticated.
@melisaochoahairT
This is proof that you don’t need crazy colors to make a statement. A muted mushroom brown hairstyle is the perfect complement to your camera-ready makeup and hair that boasts major volume. A deep side part and blown-out curls will have all eyes on you.
@iluvsarahii
When you have healthy long hair, creating a stunning hairstyle comes with little to no effort. Just go back to the basics and opt for soft curls, long layers, and a side or a middle parting.
@singi.vo
Enhance your full, bouncy locks with an expert blend of dark colors. It makes strands appear shinier by reflecting more light, which will look especially good when being photographed.
@styleelin
If there is one hairstyle that is universally appealing, it is lob and brunette balayage. Whether you have a long face shape or full cheeks, thick curls or pin-straight strands, this style always looks fresh and flattering. Chunky pinky-brown highlights will make the style more visually interesting.
@gina.devine
The worst thing about having a beautiful color is watching it fade. Luckily, there is something you can do to maintain the vibrancy between appointments. Ask your stylist to mix Brazilian Bond Builder into your color to reduce breakage, prevent damage and retain your color longer.
@christinesilvermancolor@candicenicolle
Instead of chunky highlights throughout chestnut strands, achieve a sunny golden brown hairstyle with sombre. To avoid harsh transitions and contrasting colors, the subtle technique fades from dark to light in soft. Warm hues like this will work great for various skin tones with cool undertones.
@idolapiazzabovio
One of the simplest ways to transform a boring, dull style is with a balayage in brighter, warmer tones. Not only does it create fullness, but it also offers a new dimension to your hairstyle. Perfect for a woman with a busy schedule, as keeping the roots natural makes the hairstyle totally low-maintenance.
@gustavomigli
This red-tinted color is perfect for many different eye colors and complexions. To achieve the bouncy shoulder-length cut, ask your stylist for round layers. The curved lines remove weight and create tons of volume.
@theironicperfectionist
Enjoy one of the spicier shades with a radiant auburn hue. Loose curls are the epitome of casual cool. To achieve the messy texture, curl your locks, alternating directions with each curl which will allow the pieces to separate instead of blending together when you brush them out.
@modernsalon
Dark coffee-colored strands are just as rich and bold as a cup of Joe. To make this deep shade stand out, try making tight, bouncy curls in your long hair. Aim at a natural-looking texture that doesn’t resemble large overdone pageant locks.
@carlosnetro
Who would have thought that this gorgeous cappuccino hair color was actually achieved with a blonde dye? Because dark hair takes so much to lighten, you actually have to go a few shades lighter to get your desired color. This look was achieved with L’oreal Blonde Studio lightening paste.
@kristen.lumiere
A one-dimensional shade on shoulder-length locks can seem uninspiring. Elevate your hairstyle by adding highlighs to your dark mane. It works especially well with wavy locks because it makes the tousled texture stand out. Although you can wear this color year-round, it looks particularly radiant with fall foilyage.
@cassderosa
Jennifer Aniston’s dark base is softly gilded on the very surface. Through these gorgeous sun-kissed notes, it’s softly connected with the face-framing dark blonde streaks. Such a complicated hue pairs beautifully with her gray eyes.
Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com
Olivia Palermo opts for the cute cappuccino shade that mimics the color of her eyes and mingles with the rich chocolate mocha streaks. Stylists claim that this tone looks perfect on medium-length locks, and it loses its showiness on short or extra-long tresses.
Everett Collection / Shutterstock.com
Coffee is an invigorating cool shade that can be softened with blondish or copper highlights. Jennifer Garner goes for the bronde ombre highlights on a dark base, and we see that her natural tone sets off her sparkling eyes and fair skin.
Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com
Many women try to duplicate Lisa Rinna’s haircut and hair color. The secret of her blooming look is the warm golden chestnut shade that matches the color of her eyes. Besides, it’s not a monochromatic color. The roots of Lisa’s locks are darkened, and there’s a sprinkling of lowlights through the layers.
s_bukley / Shutterstock.com
Check Jessica Biel’s fabulous brunette tresses that undoubtedly attract attention. Golden browns make the overall look easy-going, highlighting the actress’s cheerfulness and playfulness.
Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com
The rich honey almond shade is extremely natural. It can be associated with a dark blonde hue. This tint gives your base a spicy reddish-brown note. Kate Beckinsale has tried the deep velvety brown from the roots to mid-shaft with a soft transition to the honey almond hue towards the ends.
Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com
Eva Longoria’s choice is the lovely dark chocolate shade with graceful toffee streaks through her face-framing locks. Maintain the health of your brunette tresses, and they will pay you back with an excellent look even in simple hairstyles.
DFree / Shutterstock.com
Mahogany hue stands out from other beautiful shades thanks to its saturated dark reddish sub-tone. Michelle Monaghan looks breathtaking with her thick mahogany copper locks cascading on her shoulders. Her red dress is a wonderful outfit choice to set off her hair color.
Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com
Espresso brown hue is deep, rich and expressive. If you want to add some spice to your look, consider tinting the ends of your tresses in one of the complementary tones. Mila Kunis’s hairstyle effectively harmonizes with her skin tone and the color of her eyes.
Featureflash / Shutterstock.com
Julia Roberts’s brunette hair is upgraded with terrific ombre highlights. The lovely blend of cool and warm tones is the top of coloristic art. We can distinguish the pecan brown tone that serves as a background for the lovely caramel and flaxen blonde balayage accents.
Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com
As you can see, brunettes have fun too, maybe even more thanks to versatile shades and undertones. Each of them has its own unique personality and charm fit for your lifestyle and tastes. We wish you to find your most flattering options and rock a new look effortlessly!
Brown hair represents a natural-looking color that offers versatility and freedom in styling. Its woodsy undertones range from light and creamy shades to rich and dark hues compatible with different complexions. Whether you need a new hair color idea to try or a soft tint to accentuate your brunette locks, the following styles will give you a fresh start to work on!
Brunette and brown are often used interchangeably to describe a natural hair color with darker earthy tones. However, there is a notable difference between them. While brown color usually refers to medium or dark shades typical of timber and wood, brunette hair can describe brown and black locks at the same time, combining them in a single dark-colored group. These shades offer different styling opportunities that fit various hair types and lengths.
@jade_tsanghair
The ongoing trend for natural colors has taken root in the grooming world and become the most requested option among hair devotees today. Forget sweet and sultry chocolate shades with contrasting highlights! Now, subdued and understated tones are in vogue. Think of the rich espresso martini hair trend or teddy bear brunette style. Those are the top emerging styles for the current year.
For rich dimension, ask your colorist for this luxurious shade of brown that emphasizes quality and shine. The uniform coloring might seem boring, but it actually gives your hair that regal look you may see on the red carpet.
@glamcatt
A deep and warm color like this one is a popular coffee-inspired shade, often dubbed Pantone’s Color of the Year. So, if you’ve been looking for trendy hair color ideas, here is a way to stay ahead of the curve in the hair styling world.
@colorbymarina
A cool-toned brunette style with ashy, gray undertones will keep your strands on the cooler side of the earthy palette and deliver a subdued effect. For maximum impact, combine silver and gray tints so that your brown locks stand out beautifully.
@hairbypkilla
Want to keep your hair dark but add a touch of red to it? Then, try cherry coke hair color this time. The result is a vibrant brunette shade elevated with red and violet undertones that create visual depth and interest.
@brinliemadisonhair
This versatile color solution blends two tones – brown and blonde for a soft and light color accent. Simple yet effortless, the hairstyle is a perfect option for those who love to stay in the middle.
@hairbynathi
A dark base with blended, sandy highlights resembles coffee with milk, hence the catchy name. The style is great for subtle color enhancement throughout the length.
@laura_studiomusehair
This bright tone gives your hair an ultra-glossy, high-shine finish. The brunette base benefits from rich hues that add visual complexity to the look.
@ericalamb
Enjoy warm golden-brown tones painted onto a darker base for the ultimate melty look. Experiment with color placement, and you’ll get the best out of the style.
@live_love_dohair
The popularity of brunette hair is largely predetermined by its rich color palette and spectrum of shades. Here you can find any hair tone a tad darker than blonde – from light brown to nearly black. Read on to find more color variations for your next major transformation!
This color presents the deepest brunette shade that borders on black. The shade can add contrast to a pale complexion or enhance brown skin tones.
@manezbymersadez
For those who like it darker, a rich, coffee-based shade with intense depth is exactly what you need.
@tdthestylist
Save this deep, rich brown base with cocoa undertones for your fall transformation. Its warmth will bring your hair maximum refinement.
@balayage.by.kass
This balanced, versatile mid-toned brown is perfect for summer days, as it delivers a sun-kissed look with a beach vibe.
@ielhairstudio
Opt for soft golden-tinted highlights to achieve a lighter brunette shade and enjoy the general shift of style.
@grace.paintshair
As a base color, brown is incredibly popular and well-loved. Besides, it can serve as a perfect canvas for dimensional hairstyles. From classic highlights and lived-in balayage techniques to a seamless color melt and barely visible babylights – get the latest scoop on multi-colored ‘dos for added depth and movement in brunette hair.
The highlighted look creates contrast and dimension on dark locks. The strategic color placement accentuates your features nicely and lights up your face.
@live_love_dohair
Achieve a subtle glam with a hand-painted technique for a natural-looking and sun-kissed effect. Choose between different shades to maximize the result.
@sarabotsfordhair
This technique darkens the roots for a natural grow-out feel. The colored strands don’t stand out as it often happens after traditional coloring.
@live2dyebyhaley
A seamless blending of multiple shades is ideal for a gradient effect. With a lowlight color, the effect is even more subtle and natural-looking.
@hairbymakennajeffrey
Place lighter strands around the face for a framing effect. If you wear bangs, consider a lighter transition so that the front strands don’t overpower the look.
@alexlovescolour
Ultra-fine highlights can actually mimic the sun lightening effect on your hair. So, if you want that beachy, relaxed look, go for delicate pieces a bit lighter than your base color.
@tdthestylist
This is a great example of coloring aimed at creating visual depth and color intensity with a warm and cool undertone balance.
@hairbynathi
Just like any other hair tone, brunette shades can stay on the warmer or cooler side of the color palette. Ash brown hues work great with pale skin, while caramel and bronze accents enhance beige and peachy complexions. Want something in-between? Then stick to a neutral brown base for a balanced mix of both temperature categories.
A warm brown tone is a real find for those who want to invite some sunny elements to their hairstyle.
@haircreators
For a cool hair tone with ashy accents, choose between grayish and dusty silver options. Your locks will appear muted but well-defined.
@paintedbyrye
This shade will give your hair caramel and amber reflections for a warm brunette look.
@belezadet
Examine the rich palette of muted looks with this hazy brown hair tone. It has minimal warmth but still brings in showy elements.
@hairby.marianaa
To get a balanced appearance, choose between shades that are neither distinctly warm nor cool. Beige, maple, and taupe are just a few options to look through.
@hairbytammiee
Each shade of brown has its own unique characteristics that set it apart from the rest of the palette. To make those qualities even more apparent, colorists and hair fans came up with sophisticated and refined names to differentiate color variations. Some of them call to mind sweet deserts, while others draw inspiration from the ‘quiet luxury’ trend. Explore the most expensive-looking brunette hair color styles below.
This hair tone is the epitome of luxury and timeless elegance. It looks expensive thanks to rich tan undertones reminiscent of the popular fashion brand known for its leather goods. Now, imagine the same leathery shade in your locks!
@vurvesalon
The textured depth meets modern allure in this designer-worthy color. It has something from a luxury tan you get after a five-star vacation. A simple yet so beautiful – the hair color is definitely the hottest trend of the season.
@sincerely_juliaaa
Make your brunette locks shine softly with this art-nouveau look. Enhance its cool-toned, hazy quality with a sleek hairstyle, and you’re good to go.
@colorbycaitie
Get a sophisticated warm color with rich elements for added depth and aesthetics. Blend dark and milk chocolate hues in a trendy swirl of shades for the ultimate fashion-forward look.
@hairby.kyleem
To get that iconic soft ombre effect with minimal contrast, highlight your inky strands with lighter tones for a dramatic yet effortless transformation. No need to visit a hair salon regularly with this style, as it grows out on its own and blends with the rest of your hair.
@aykutevirgenn
To make your brown base truly astonishing and mouthwatering, infuse it with complementary shades and tints. Golden and reddish undertones are by far the most flattering color infusions as they emphasize the visual depth of your locks and make them shine naturally. Here are some nice options to try next.
The best way to infuse your brunette locks with inner shine and radiance is to play with a reddish undertone, such as mahogany. This combo gives you a dark brown base with rich red-purple accents.
@hairbyvalerien
This warm red tint is a nice add-on to brown hair, as it delivers a subtle reddish accent throughout the length.
@emiliahighlights
Explore deeper, red-violet tones blended into the deep brown hair that range between wine-red and plum shades.
@annettedoesmyhair
To show warm golden and amber accents in brown hair, go for honey brown highlights. They don’t offer much contrast, but the lightening effect is still there.
@ricardoalonsobeauty
Add brownish red tones like copper penny for extra warmth and dimension. The mix of hues will give you a whole new personality.
@glossed_by_tori
Brown hair with spicy red-orange accents like ginger and cinnamon will level up any hairstyle.
@dogukandeniz
The cool thing about being brunette is that you don’t need to worry about patchy or uneven color distribution as it often happens with more vivid shades. With the right color technique, you can grow out your natural tone gracefully with minimal upkeep. There are some of the trendiest options for a low-maintenance look below.
Opt for a lived-in, natural-looking hairstyle that allows for a seamless regrowth pattern. By mixing several shades for a balayage technique – caramel, amber, copper, or golden – you get a blended hairdo that doesn’t require regular touch-ups.
@yesst.yles
Choose between root shadow, root tap, and root melt techniques if you want patch-free regrowth. This option works great for natural brunettes since darker roots create a subtle transition as your hair grows.
@hairbykimberlyh
This blended style is not your regular ombre look, as it requires minimal upkeep and doesn’t leave a stark demarcation line as your original hair tone pops up around the root area. What you get is a low-maintenance glam with a soft transition between the colors.
@suatkirsamsun
For this technique, the hair strands are teased before color application for a more diffused and smooth effect of soft highlights achieved by backcombing motions. It also reduces any harsh lines and offers a well-blended result from the roots all the way down to the tips.
@hairbykacie1
The gradual color progression from darker to lighter hair tones is great for those who don’t want regular salon visits and color touch-ups. Basically, the final look is something between a root smudge style and a reverse ombre with a chosen hair tone combination.
@eliasriverahair
When opting for an all-over toning or an accent color placement, consider your individual features before making a final decision. A very dark shade may overpower your look and work against your hair texture, especially if your locks lack density. A solution? Think of subtle contouring with a lighter tint or add a lived-in dimension with multiple shades for customized glam.
The main thing to remember when changing a hairstyle for a round face is that you need to choose the right placement strategy to visually elongate and flatter your face shape. A soft contorting with a few shades lighter than your natural tone will work well for this purpose.
@beautywnance
To keep your textured curly hair healthy and shiny, avoid an all-over coloring at all costs. Instead, try subtle highlights and/or lowlights to enhance the depth of your coils and reveal their dimension. Dark hair with honey or golden-tinted strands will steal the show, that’s for sure.
@mitch_allen_stylist
Fine tresses need extra dimension for the illusion of thickness. Try lived-in balayage techniques for a volumizing effect and added depth. With the right styling tricks, you can easily transform flat and lifeless locks into something completely different.
@beautyxmanuel
Thick and dense hair suffers from excessive weight that can ruin even the most beautiful coloring. After removing some weight, add a few lighter strands here and there for proper saturation and an airy feel.
@shannonwestpro
Brunette hair is compatible with any complexion. Pale and neutral skin tones work with light brown shades that add warmth to the look, while tinted and ebony skin appears regal with jet-black and mocha brown hair shades.
@thehairprodigy
Brown locks are prone to fading, especially if you shift from blonde to brunette. To avoid brass and discoloration, use high-quality hair products for color-treated tresses. Look for natural ingredients such as argan oil, shea butter, and glycerin to preserve color vibrancy and hair health between salon visits.
Integrate a sulfate-free shampoo into your washing routine so that your hair tone doesn’t fade away quickly. To prevent color stripping, consider using a live-in conditioner for color-treated hair and apply heat protectant regularly to avoid heat damage and breakage.
@theory_studioforhair
Hair glossing offers a revitalizing effect for your tresses by restoring shine and tone between appointments. A special hair treatment formula offers tonal enhancement, color correction, or refreshment for your natural hair color that lasts for weeks.
@amehairstudio_
This toning product has a neutralizing effect with orange-canceling that helps you get rid of unwanted red tones and prevent color fading. It cools down warm hues with primary color pigments and boosts hair and scalp health.
@stylejacked
It may come as a surprise but purple shampoo is not exclusively for blondes. In fact, this violet-toned brassiness neutralizer is great for brunettes who have just joined the dark hair club and want to maintain a shiny and brass-free look.
@colorbymarina
Changing a hair color is an exciting journey each of us is willing to undertake at least once in a lifetime. And with the abundance of shades and coloring techniques, there’s no need for a dramatic transition, especially if you’re happy with your natural tone. Enhance your locks with a flattering undertone or add some accent strands for a quick and elegant style refresh!